The application of psychotherapeutic interventions into pastoral practice : possibilities and reflections
Uporaba psihoterapevtskih intervencij v pastoralni praksi : možnosti in razmisleki

english

2024

volume 84, issue 1

attachment theory   ethics in pastoral care   pastoral practice   post-modern approach   psychotherapeutic interventions

Univerza v Ljubljani, Teološka fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Pastoral theology is seeking new forms of evangelisation to address people in the postmodern socio-cultural context and help them recognise the richness of the spiritual tradition. According to the principle of ‘logoi spermatikoi’, theology must open itself to the insights of some other disciplines, implement them and enrich them with its own content. Pastoral theology may find an important interlocutor in psychotherapy, which has developed working methods that are very attractive for people nowadays, addressing their individuality, putting their personal experience at the centre, strengthening their sense of autonomy and ability to form good relationships, and helping them use and regulate their emotions in their daily lives. We propose attachment theory as the starting point for the application of psychotherapeutic interventions in pastoral practice. Attachment theory is having a major impact on the development of contemporary psychotherapy and is also increasingly finding expression in contemporary Christian anthropology. The application of psychotherapeutic interventions in pastoral practice can make an important contribution to establishing a secure relationship between the pastoral worker and the believer, creating a foundation for sincere dialogue and spiritual accompaniment. In this article we present some basic psychotherapeutic interventions, their potential application in pastoral practice, and the expected effects of their use. We draw attention to some ethical dilemmas, to the importance of the safe transfer of interventions in pastoral care, and to the need for research to show the real effects of the use of these interventions in practice.

11.11.2024